Firm News

What's Happening at Akram

Akram & Associates Opens New Offices Across The Globe

We are proud to announce that Akram has expanded its footprint into new geographic regions. New offices are now open in Newport Beach, California Lahore, Pakistan, and in Singapore .

We are overwhelmed to experience diverse background clients, their demands and to cater them with our specialized team. We would like to brief you about Our Offices Around the Globe

Akram Is a Hedgeweek Americas 2021 Awards Winner!

We are proud to announce that Akram is a winner in this year's Hedgeweek Americas Awards 2021.

We have been voted "Best Accounting Firm Start-up & Emerging Funds".

Akram was recognized at the Hedgeweek Winners Gala, which was held on October 21, 2021 at the University Club in New York City.

Akram Shortlisted for the Hedgeweek Americas Awards 2021

August 5, 2021

Akram | Assurance, Advisory & Tax Firm is excited to announce we have been shortlisted yet again for the Hedgeweek Americas Awards 2021 in the category of "Best Accounting Firm - Start Ups & Emerging Funds". 

We are excited and proud to be recognized again as being a leading organization in our sector!

Akram Shortlisted for the HFM US Services Awards 2021

July 14, 2021

Akram | Assurance, Advisory & Tax Firm is excited to announce we have been shortlisted for the HFM US Services Awards 2021 in the category of "Best Auditor - Start Ups". 

We are excited and proud to be recognized again as being a leading organization in our sector!

Akram & Associates Featured in HFM

November 20, 2020

Akram has been featured in HFM Global November issue.  

Excerpt:

Carried Interest and Accredited Investor Update

Addresses the IRS restricting carried interest of preferential tax treatment and the SE expanding the "accredited investor" definition.

Akram & Associates Featured in Hedgeweek and Privateequitywire

August 19, 2020

Akram & Associates has been featured in both Hedgeweek and Private Equity Wire this week.  

Excerpt:

Dynamism and proactivity in times of uncertainty

Along with the Covid-19 pandemic's tumult, alternative investment fund managers have had to face a number of tax changes that are anticipated to have a tremendous impact on their business.

Akram & Associates PLLC Shortlisted for the HFM US Services Awards 2020

July 27, 2020

Akram & Associates is excited to announce we have been shortlisted for the HFM US Services Awards 2020. The categories we have been shortlisted for are:

• Best Advisory Firm - Tax
• Best Auditor- Small Managers

We are pleased and extremely proud to be recognized as being a leading organization in our sector!

About the HFM Awards

The HFM US Services Awards celebrate excellence in the US hedge fund industry, recognizing providers of services and solutions to the hedge fund sector that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, customer services and performance over the past 12 months.

On September 26, 2020, the winners will be recognized during HFM US Leadership Virtual Forum due to COVID-19.

Community Giving

Tis the Season

December 5, 2019 

During the holiday season, we reflect on the past year with feelings of gratitude for our many gifts of new and renewed partnerships, friendships and sense of community.

As we look towards a New Year, we wish to show our continued appreciation and support for our community. Our firm annually contributes to several charitable organizations. For 2019, Akram & Associates donated 3.5% of our net profits among the charities listed below.

Many thanks to our valued clients for enabling us to help others in our own community and beyond. Best wishes to each of you this holiday season. 

May every year be brighter than the last!

A Helping Hand is a non-profit companion care provider committed to assisting seniors and individuals with disabilities maintain self-sufficiency, quality of life, and the highest level of independence.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families.

ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Help For Children is a global foundation supported by the generosity of Hedge Funds Care and Private Equity Cares. The foundation provides grants to the most effective and efficient child abuse prevention and treatment interventions in six countries, making the world a safer place for children.

The Islamic Association of Raleigh (IAR) is an Islamic center for the Muslim community in the Triangle region of North Carolina. There are many regular youth activities and classes for adults. Social services include zakaat and sadaqa (alms and charity) distribution and refugee assistance.

The Water Buffalo Club is a charitable organization dedicated to fostering the well-being of under served and at-risk children in Los Angeles through its members’ commitment of their time and financial resources. The WBC directly impacts smaller charities by providing grants, hosting events, and supporting youth programs. We are Big Kids Helping Little Kids!

Islamic Relief USA is a community of diverse people sharing a set of common values: excellence, sincerity, social justice, compassion, and custodianship. Islamic Relief USA provides relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world.

ICNA Relief strives to uplift the underserved in the US through a nationwide network of shelters, food pantries, health clinics, skill development programs, disaster relief services, refugee services and more. ICNA Relief works to build healthy communities, strengthen families and create opportunities for those in despair while maintaining their dignity and advocating for their basic human needs.

Press Releases

Akram & Associates Featured in Hedgeweek and Private Equity Wire

January 3, 2020

Akram & Associates has been featured in both Hedgeweek and Private Equity Wire this week. Muhammad Akram discusses the firm's growth in 2019.

Akram & Associates Adds Five to Team on Back of 40 Percent Growth in 2019

Akram & Associates, a boutique Public Accounting Firm specializing in accounting, audit and tax services to alternative investment entities, had another successful year in 2019, growing 40 percent. The firm is targeting double-digit growth again in 2020. 

The firm has also added five additional full time tax and audit professionals in North Carolina office for 2020 tax season including CPA and CFA to service clients in the alternative investment industry.

Check out the full Hedgeweek Press Release.

Akram & Associates PLLC Shortlisted for the HFM US Services Awards 2019

October 2019

Akram & Associates is excited to announce we have been shortlisted for the HFM US Services Awards 2019. The categories we have been shortlisted for are:

• Best Advisory Firm - Tax
• Best Auditor

We are pleased and extremely proud to be recognized as being a leading organization in our sector!

About the HFM Awards

The HFM US Services Awards celebrate excellence in the US hedge fund industry, recognizing providers of services and solutions to the hedge fund sector that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, customer services and performance over the past 12 months.

On September 12, 2019, the winners will be recognized in front of their peers and the hedge fund community at a gala dinner and awards ceremony in New York City.

Akram & Associates Featured in Bloomberg Article

May 6, 2019

Akram & Associates has been featured in the Bloomberg article "Conflicting Tax Forms Create 'Nightmares' for Some Investors", published May 6th, 2019 by Bloomberg writer Lynnley Browning.

Excerpt:

Brokerage firms are sending tax statements to clients and the IRS with information that differs from the taxes investors ultimately owe, leading some filers to appear to owe tax on profits they never made. 

Check out the full article on Bloomberg.com.

Akram & Associates Featured in Hedgeweek and Private Equity Wire

December 3, 2018

Akram & Associates has been featured in both Hedgeweek and Private Equity Wire this week. Muhammad Akram discusses the firm's personalized approach to helping clients stay abreast of TCJA developments. 

Excerpt:

Akram & Associates continues to focus on emerging managers and US family offices

The introduction of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in the United States last December has been keeping tax specialists and accountants particularly busy, as hedge fund managers and family offices seek to best position themselves under this new tax regime. 

A Proud Moment: Ringing of the Nasdaq Bell

June 6, 2018

We recently had the opportunity to share in a very special occasion with one of our clients: the ringing of the Nasdaq Bell to close the markets on May 31.

When we first began helping this incredible client, we knew that their long-term goal was to be listed on the Nasdaq. Over the years, we have done our best to help them grow and reach this amazing milestone.

Our founder, Muhammad Akram, is very grateful and proud to have been invited to participate in this special event. For many years to come, we look forward to celebrating future successes with this client, as well as with all of our exceptional clients.

Here are photos from the event:

Firm has Opened NYC office

January 1, 2016

Firm has opened an office in NYC on 347 Fifth Avenue to service North East clients and grow the practice organically.

Firm has Expanded to New York City

November 4, 2015

New York State Education Department of Licensing has given permission to open a physical office in New York state on November 4, 2015. Firm has expanded to New York City in the heart of world's financial center. Gias Khan will be the Partner in charge of New York office.

Firm's Name has Changed to Akram & Associates PLLC

June 16, 2015

North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners has approved our Firm's name to Akram & Associates PLLC and Secretary of State of the state of North Carolina accepted the Articles of Amendment.

Firm Added a New Partner to Expand Its Services

May 14, 2015

We are very pleased to announce that Ghias Khan has joined our Firm. He is a CPA in the state of New York (License # 077913) and has extensive experience in commercial industry. Prior to joining our CPA Firm, he worked at the regional CPA Firms SCF & Co., Anchin Block and Anchin and SAXBST in New York city. Ghias had worked on the audit, review, compilation, tax and consulting engagements for non-public companies in various sectors of manufacturing, apparel, real estate, law firms, retail and wholesale in addition to employee benefit plans.

Our CPA Firm Partnered with TKS Solutions

April 14, 2015

Our Firm used pennyitworks software licensed by TKS Solutions to generate K-1s for the investors in the alternative investment entities. TKS Solutions is the firm that brings you the acclaimed software, Penny It Works®. TKS is a registered Microsoft partner offering specialized partnership and shareholder accounting solutions for the financial industry. Penny It Works® is used to manage upwards of 600 onshore and offshore funds with more than $450bn in AUM.

Registration With State of Maryland DLLR

December 23, 2014

Our Firm (License # 41105) is registered with State of Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) on December 23, 2014 to serve the clients located in Maryland.

Registration With California Board of Accountancy

May 31, 2014

Our Firm (OFR 289) is registered with California Board of Accountancy to service California alternative investment funds.

Registration with Washington State Board of Accountancy

April 30, 2014

Our Firm (License # 6039) is registered with Washington State Board of Accountancy under RCW 18.04.195 (1) (b) on April 30, 2014 to service alternative investment clients in the Seattle area.

Registration With PCAOB

April 22, 2014

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB') approved Firm's application for registration on April 22, 2014. Registration with the PCAOB brought an additional layer of transparency for the investors in the Alternative Investment Funds regarding the operations of our CPA Firm and position us to service Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), broker dealer, mutual funds and employee benefit plans.

Registration With NC State Board of CPA Examiners

December 13, 2013

Our Firm is initially registered with North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners on December 13, 2013 right before the tax season and opened it's first office in Cary, NC.